Cows to appear at world-class festival of cycling; Prudential RideLondon

26/07/2016

Cows will be making an appearance at Prudential RideLondon, the world-class festival of cycling, over the weekend of 29-31 July. The beautifully designed heifers, which form part of CowParade, the world’s largest public art event, have caught the attention of the RideLondon organisers who are keen to see Cows dotted in London and along the cycle route in Surrey.

RideLondon will see the world’s best cyclists battle it out at the RideLondon-Surrey Classic on Sunday 31 July. Britain’s greatest one-day bike race promises to be a fast and furious showdown and will see 150 of the world’s top pro cyclists take on a 200km route through London and out into Surrey. As they make their way out they will see the unusual sight of brightly decorated cows at Box Hill, Ranmore Common and Newlands Corner.

One of the cyclists taking part, Surrey based Andy Pink will be supporting local charity Cherry Trees. Andy, who is being touted as ‘the future of British cycling’ was Head Coach for the victorious Team GB Cyclists at Invictus 2016 and voted Young Coach of the Year 2015. Andy comments: “I really relate to the excellent work that Cherry Trees do for children with disabilities and their families. Their policy of “Child first, disability second” sits well with me and I have a leaning towards coaching and supporting children and adults with disabilities through Invictus 2016, Surrey Wheels for All and of course through Cherry Trees. I keep seeing cows all over Surrey as I cycle around but my favourite is of course Cherry Moo. I am delighted that she is being showcased outside Cherry Trees along the A246 in East Clandon for RideLondon and hope that she helps raise awareness of the wonderful work this very worthwhile charity do.”

‘True Colours’, ‘Bunnyhop’, ‘Cycling MooKay’ and Clarabelle four of the CowParade Surrey cows, will be heading into London to graze at ExCel and FreeCycle festival sites Green Park and Lincolns Inn Field.

Openhouse Creative illustrator Laurie King created ‘Bunnyhop’, a cycling-themed cow that celebrates the biking heritage of the Surrey Hills and is about inspiring people to walk, bike and get mooving! He comments; “I’m a cycling enthusiast and feel passionate about getting people out into our beautiful countryside, which is why we’re excited that Bunnyhop is going on her London adventure to represent the Surrey Hills at RideLondon’s Cycling Show at ExCel. Money raised at auction from our cow will support Sustrans, which has riders at this year’s event and is dedicated to making it easier to travel by foot and bike in the UK.”

Stuart Semple comments; “I’m delighted that ‘True Colours’ will form part of the RideLondon festival of cycling. I love making public art and am sure ‘True Colours’ will draw a crowd due to her vivid colours. CowParade Surrey is a chance to raise some money and awareness for the Mind Creative Therapies fund, which is a top priority for me.”

Stuart’s cow when sold at auction will raise funds for Mind a charity that campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health issues.

Heading into London and grazing at Green Park is Cycling MooKay by artist Charles Rowbotham. ‘Cycling MooKay’ has been sponsored by cycling charity, Cycling UK and beautifully designed by Dorking based artist Charles Rowbotham who has painted the cow to show road cyclists coming up Box Hill on one side and mountain bikers riding through Denbies Wine Estate on the other. Doug Clare from Cycling UK comments; “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase ‘Cycling MooKay’ in London and help further promote cycling. Cycling UK want people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be able to cycle safely, easily and enjoyably.”

For those who want to get out and see all the cows this summer, a specially designed app is free to download from cowparadesurreyhills.com showing where to find and collect each cow. Over 60 of the beautifully designed cows are appearing in Surrey’s towns, villages and countryside until the end of August. ‘Cow Spotters’ can discover lots about each cow, win rosettes, take part in quizzes and more. Those who find all the cows will be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury Kuoni holiday for two to Mauritius!